Hotel Specht

Driving back home to the UK through Germany, I wanted somewhere to stay near the River Rhine. I booked the Hotel Specht (Woodpecker!) earlier the same day via a mobile phone app. Everything went really smoothly. I was running a little late, and knowing that the reception is not always staffed after 1800 hrs, I telephoned ahead and spoke to a lovely woman who explained that she would be nearby to open up for me when I arrived. In these circumstances a little basic German language is useful. I called again on arrival, and this lady appeared from across the road and showed me to a very comfortable, modern room on the first floor. She enquired whether I required breakfast the next morning, and at what time, before leaving me to settle in. The hotel is part of an interesting complex - a mix of ancient and modern buildings - a short distance from Sonsbeck town centre. The hotel is modern, but incorporates an ancient Roman stone tower, which has been renovated and can also be hired as accommodation. Across the road is the family accommodation and business (farm supplies). There is safe, free private parking to the side of the hotel, adjacent to a beautiful church and churchyard. The breakfast was excellent, and served in the quirky mirrored dining room and bar. Sonsbeck is a small town, but offers at least one good restaurant (La Passione), a few bars and a couple of decent supermarkets if needed. The town of Xanten, right on the Rhine, is about 4km from the hotel, and is well worth a visit. It is an ancient town, larger and more lively than Sonsbeck, with lots of beautiful architecture, but in more modern times was a focal point for the WW2 Allied crossing of the Rhine in 1945. Overall, a very enjoyable and pleasant stay at a friendly hotel. Thank you.